Seven days – this is how long it takes for SmartLynx Airlines Malta, EU-based specialists in full-service ACMI aircraft leasing solutions and air cargo charters, to transport your freight shipment around the world.
With five recently added Airbus A330 aircraft, modified to Zero LOPA, SmartLynx Airlines are on their way to becoming the leaders of the long-haul cargo market. “We can get large shipments around the world in just 7 days. It is all possible thanks to great planning and excellent teamwork,” says Edvinas Demenius, VP of sales and development at SmartLynx Airlines.
The modified Airbus A330 carry cargo with a volume capacity of 260 m3 and a maximum cargo weight of 50,000 kg. SmartLynx Airlines offer their clients quick and efficient transportation to and from anywhere in the world and, if needed, even around the world.
“One of our recent clients had us flying from France to Chicago, USA, with loading in Vietnam. The full route was France-Cambodia-Vietnam-South Korea-Alaska (USA)-Chicago (USA), with stops for fueling and crew’s rest,” said Demenius. “We always strive for the most efficient and effective route for each cargo charter flight of every shipment at the same time ensuring safety and well-being of our crew.”
According to The International Air Transport Association (IATA) air cargo volumes that have risen to unseen highs during the global pandemic have stabilized. July was the third consecutive month of relative stability in air cargo growth. Industry-wide cargo tonne-kilometres (CTKs) rose by 8.6% in July compared to the pre-crisis month of July 2019, a minor deterioration from the 9.2% increase in June. IATA data prove that, at this stage, a significant slowdown in air cargo traffic appears unlikely.
“SmartLynx Airlines adding long-haul operations was a well-thought-out step in our development strategy. As one of the leading EU-based ACMI and air cargo charter operators on Airbus aircraft, we are constantly looking for ways to improve our current services as well as offer new options for our clients. The pandemic has brought many challenges to the industry and, at the same time, has opened many doors for growth. We believe that by adding long-haul operations during such turbulent times we took a risk that will pay off immensely,” says Demenius.
According to Demenius, once the long-haul cargo market returns to the pre-COVID levels, SmartLynx Airlines plan to return the Airbus A330 aircraft to operate on long-haul passenger flights.